Getting Around Harvard: An Insider's Guide to Public Transportation
So, you're heading to Harvard. Whether you're a new student, a visiting professor, or just in town to soak up the historic vibes of Cambridge, one of the first things you'll need to figure out is how to get around. Honestly, navigating a new place can be a bit of a headache, but the good news is that Harvard & the surrounding area have a pretty solid public transportation network. It might seem a little complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be zipping around like a local.
I've spent a TON of time in and around Harvard's campus, & I've learned a thing or two about the best ways to get from point A to point B. From the iconic "T" to the university's own shuttle system, there are a bunch of options to choose from. So, grab a coffee, get comfy, & let's break it all down.
The King of Cambridge: The MBTA Red Line
First things first, let's talk about the subway, or as it's known in Boston, the "T." The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs the whole show, & for Harvard, the Red Line is your new best friend. It cuts right through the heart of Cambridge & has a stop conveniently located in Harvard Square. This is, without a doubt, the most popular & efficient way to get to & from the university, especially if you're coming from Boston or other parts of Cambridge.
The Harvard Square station is a bustling hub of activity. It's not just a place to catch a train; it's a destination in itself, with shops, restaurants, & street performers all vying for your attention. The station has two levels for the Red Line, with the outbound trains (heading towards Alewife) on the upper level & the inbound trains (heading towards Boston) on the lower level. It's a pretty busy station, so give yourself a few extra minutes during peak hours.
One of the coolest things about the Harvard station is the integrated bus tunnel. This isn't your average bus stop. It's a multi-level underground terminal where you can connect to a whole bunch of MBTA bus routes without ever having to go outside. This is a lifesaver in the winter, let me tell you.
For students, faculty, & staff, Harvard even offers a 60% subsidy on monthly MBTA passes, which is a pretty sweet deal. You can even load your T fare right onto your Harvard ID, making it super convenient to hop on & off the train.
A Web of Wheels: MBTA Buses
If the Red Line is the main artery, then the MBTA buses are the capillaries, reaching all the little nooks & crannies of Cambridge & beyond. From Harvard Square, you can catch a bus to pretty much anywhere you need to go. Here's a rundown of some of the key routes that serve the Harvard area:
- Route 1: This bus runs from Harvard Square to Dudley Station in Roxbury, passing right through the heart of Boston. It's a great option if you're looking to explore different neighborhoods in the city.
- Route 66: This is a crucial route for many Harvard folks, as it connects Harvard Square with the Allston campus, including the Science & Engineering Complex, & even goes all the way to the Longwood Medical Area, where Harvard Medical School is located.
- Route 70: This route connects Allston with Watertown, Central Square, University Park, & MIT, making it a handy option for getting to other academic hubs in the area.
- Routes 71, 72, & 73: These are actually trolleybuses, which are a cool, retro-feeling way to travel. They connect Harvard Square with Watertown (71 & 72) & Waverley (73).
- Routes 74 & 75: These buses will take you from Harvard Square to Belmont Center.
- Route 77: This route runs from Harvard Square to Arlington Heights.
- Route 78: If you're heading to Arlmont Village, this is the bus for you.
- Route 86: This bus connects the Allston campus with Harvard Square, providing another important link between the two.
- Route 96: This route will take you from Harvard Square to Medford Square.
With so many routes, it can be a little overwhelming at first. I highly recommend downloading a transit app to your phone. The MBTA endorses the "Transit" app, which gives you real-time bus tracking, so you'll know exactly when your ride is going to show up.
The Crimson Chariots: Harvard's Shuttle System
Beyond the public MBTA system, Harvard has its own robust shuttle network that is a HUGE perk for students & staff. These shuttles are free to ride with a Harvard ID & are designed to connect the various parts of the university's sprawling campus, which stretches from Cambridge to Allston.
The shuttle system has a bunch of different routes, each with its own schedule & purpose. Here are some of the main ones:
- Allston Campus - Harvard Square - Memorial Hall: This is a super important route, especially with the growing Allston campus. It runs about every 15 minutes for most of the day, making it a reliable way to get between the two main campus areas.
- River Houses - Harvard Yard - Memorial Hall: This route serves the undergraduate houses along the Charles River, making it easy for students to get to classes in the Yard. It runs about every 20 minutes.
- SEC - Harvard Square - Law School - Memorial Hall - Lamont Library: This route connects the Science & Engineering Complex in Allston with key spots on the Cambridge campus, including the Law School & libraries. It runs about every 20-40 minutes depending on the time of day.
- Quad - Memorial Hall - River Houses - Harvard Yard: For students living in the Quad, this shuttle is a lifeline, especially in the winter. It runs about every 20 minutes in the evenings.
There are also other specialty routes, like the Crimson Cruiser & the Allston Loop, that serve specific areas of the campus. The best way to keep track of it all is to use the Passio GO! app or the live shuttle tracker on the Harvard Transportation website. They'll show you exactly where the shuttles are in real-time, so you don't have to stand out in the cold wondering if you've missed your ride.
For those late nights at the library, Harvard also has an Evening Van service that provides on-demand rides within the Cambridge & Allston campuses from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. during the academic year. This is a fantastic safety feature & a super convenient way to get home after a long study session.
Two Wheels are Better Than Four: Biking with Bluebikes
If you're looking for a more active way to get around, you're in luck. Cambridge is a VERY bike-friendly city, & the Bluebikes bike-sharing program is a fantastic option. There are hundreds of stations all over the Boston area, including 14 on or near Harvard's campus.
Here's the best part for Harvard folks: the university offers a discounted annual membership for just $98, which is a pretty significant savings off the regular price. With a membership, you can take as many 45-minute rides as you want without any extra fees. It's a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, & avoid traffic.
Students have really embraced Bluebikes, especially since the new Science & Engineering Complex opened in Allston, which is a bit of a walk from the main campus. For many, a quick bike ride is the perfect solution for getting to class on time. The most popular times to ride are between 4 pm & 6 pm, so if you're looking for a guaranteed bike, you might want to plan your trip outside of those peak hours.
You can use the Bluebikes app to find stations, check bike availability, & even unlock a bike right from your phone. It's a super user-friendly system, & a great way to explore Cambridge & Boston on your own terms.
The Parking Predicament: What to Do If You Have to Drive
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: parking. I'm just going to be blunt here—parking at Harvard is a nightmare. It's expensive, it's confusing, & there's just not a lot of it. The university strongly encourages everyone to use public transportation, & for good reason.
Most on-campus parking is reserved for students & staff with permits, & even those can be hard to come by. For visitors, the options are pretty limited. You can try to purchase a daily visitor permit in advance through the university's parking office, but these are subject to availability & you have to know you're coming ahead of time. The rates for these permits are around $25 for a weekday.
Street parking is another option, but it's like finding a needle in a haystack. Most of the streets around the university are permit-only for Cambridge residents. There are some metered spots, but they usually have a two-hour limit, which isn't ideal if you're planning on spending the day on campus. And trust me, the parking enforcement in Cambridge is no joke.
If you absolutely have to drive, your best bet is probably one of the private parking garages in Harvard Square. There are a few to choose from, like the University Place Garage on University Road, but they can be pricey. You're looking at daily rates that can easily top $30 or more.
Here's a little insider tip for those who are struggling to find a convenient & affordable place to park: check out Prked. It's a pretty cool service that connects people who need parking with homeowners who have extra space in their driveways or garages. You can often find a spot that's just a short walk from campus for a fraction of the price of a commercial garage. It's a great way to save some money & avoid the stress of circling the block looking for a spot.
A Quick Word on Storage
While we're on the topic of space, it's worth mentioning that finding a place to store your stuff can be just as tricky as finding a place to park. Whether you're a student who needs to store your belongings over the summer or you're just trying to declutter your dorm room, finding affordable storage can be a real challenge.
This is another area where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. In addition to parking, they also help you find affordable storage solutions in people's homes. You can rent out a space in someone's garage, attic, basement, or even a spare closet. It's a much more convenient & personal alternative to a traditional storage unit, & it can save you a bunch of money.
The Final Word
So there you have it—a comprehensive guide to getting around Harvard. It might seem like a lot to take in at first, but you'll get the hang of it in no time. My best advice is to embrace the public transportation options. They're efficient, they're affordable, & they're a great way to experience the city like a local.
Whether you're hopping on the Red Line, catching a bus, cruising on a Bluebike, or using one of Harvard's own shuttles, you've got plenty of ways to get where you need to go. And for those times when you just have to drive, remember to plan ahead & consider all your options, including the less traditional ones.
I hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think, & enjoy your time at Harvard
